From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai
Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Amy Coney Barrett
Dear Friends,
Earlier this month, Amy Coney Barrett replaced Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the US Supreme Court. The appointment was not without controversy, but nobody argued against the suitability of a woman sitting on the highest court of the land.
But, women judges are nothing new. In this week’s Old Testament passage we read of “Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, who was judging Israel.” Their idea of a judge was not quite like our idea of a judge, Deborah was more of a Commander-in-Chief than a legal expert, but she was in control, a leader of Israel. Find out more, this Sunday at All Saints!
Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, and Matthew 25:14-30, and our hymns will be When Morning Gilds the Skies, Will you come and Follow Me, Be Still for the Presence of the Lord, and I the Lord of Sea and Sky!
Last week’s Remembrance Sunday service can be viewed here!
Lots of things are coming up in November and December, so please read below!
November Services
Last Sunday we marked Remembrance Sunday, when we remembered those killed in war. Thanks to David Cartwright for providing the wreath, and to all who took part. Special thanks to our Mennonite members, Arthur, Phyllis, Rebecca, and Blaine, who led our reflections on the need to work for peace.
David, Mark, Olive, and Clarice
And then next week, on Sunday November 22nd, we will be joined by people from MPlus and the Young Pride Club to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance, when we remember the hundreds of Trans people from around the world who were killed in 2020.
Both services signify how we reach out in our concerns to those beyond the walls of All Saints.
The Christmas Season
Advent Sunday
Celebrations for Advent and Christmas begin on 29th November when we will mark Advent Sunday. This will be followed by decorating the church for Christmas and a potluck lunch.
Thammapratheep Christmas Bazaar
We will join with Thammapratheep Church on 5th December from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for their Christmas Bazaar. There will be Christmas decorations, food, desserts, secondhand items, cards, etc. for sale. Clarice will be selling her jams and chutneys, and the Youth Charity Foundation will be selling their cards.
Festival of Christmas Carols
On Saturday 19th December we will hold our Festival of Christmas Carols at Thammapratheep Church. We will be led by Lannacapella and some of the children from the Youth Charity Foundation.
The service begins at 7 p.m.
Thammapratheep Christmas Eve Service
There will be a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Thammapratheep Church on December 24th beginning at 7.30 pm. It usually lasts for around one and a half hours.
Refreshments will be served after the service for everybody. All Saints people are invited to participate and there will be English translation throughout the service.
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
On Christmas Eve, Thursday 24th December, we will have our Midnight Mass beginning at 11:30 p.m. This is always a beautiful, peaceful service, and usually attended by a lot of visitors. It is a wonderful way to begin Christmas.
Christmas Day Eucharist
On Christmas Day we will have our Morning Worship followed by lunch! Please join us if you can! More information to follow!
All Saints Mission Statement
After feedback from the congregation our Mission Statement was chosen by almost 80% of the congregation. It is:
All Saints is an inclusive, Christ-centred, liturgical community for all people!
We continue to work on developing a statement of our values, and our vision statement. There will be more about this on Sunday and in next week’s email.
Remembrance Day
Yesterday was 11th November – Remembrance Day. A small group from All Saints attended the ceremony at the Foreign Cemetery and laid our wreath on the war memorial.
All Saints’ Wednesday Lunch
The Wednesday Lunch last week
This is a weekly event! No lunch yesterday due to Remembrance Day, but it will resume next week! Why not join next week? (You don’t need to be a member of the Gymkhana Club to attend!) We will be meeting at the Gymkhana Club at midday every Wednesday!
My News
I now have a new Thai visa!
Now I can apply for a Certificate of Entry and then I can return! Please pray that this will be successful.
I hope to be back in January.
Meanwhile, prayers and blessings to all! Rejoice in the Lord – for God is good!
God bless,
Father Iain
All Saints' Chiang Mai 